UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2006
o TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________ to __________
GENERAL STEEL HOLDINGS, INC.
(Name of Issuer in Its Charter)
NEVADA | 412079252 |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
| |
Room 2315, Kun Tai International Mansion Building, Yi No 12, Chao Yang Men Wai Ave., Chao Yang District, Beijing | 100020 |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
Incorp Services Inc.
6075 S. Eastern Avenue
Suite 1, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89119-3146
Tel: (702) 866-2500
(Name, address and telephone number for Agent for Service)
+ 86 (10) 58797346
(Issuer's telephone number)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o | | Accelerated filer o | | Non-accelerated filer x |
Indicated by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)
Yes o No x
The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on September 30, 2006 was 32,426,665.
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one): Yes o No x
GENERAL STEEL HOLDINGS, INC. |
Index |
| | Page Number |
Part 1. | FINANCIALS | |
Item 1. | Financial Statements | F-1 |
Item 2. | Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition or Plan of Operations | 2 |
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks | 8 |
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 8 |
PART II | OTHER INFORMATION | 9 |
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 9 |
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 9 |
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 14 |
Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities | 14 |
Item 4. | Submission Of Matters To A Vote Of Security Holders | 14 |
Item 5. | | 14 |
Item 6. | | 14 |
Certain financial information included in this quarterly report has been derived from data originally prepared in Renminbi ("RMB"), the currency of the People's Republic of China ("China" or "PRC"). For the purposes of this quarterly report, the balance sheet amounts with the exception of equity at September 30, 2006 were translated at 7.90 RMB to $1.00 USD as compared to 8.06 RMB at December 31, 2005. The equity accounts were stated at their historical rate. The average translation rate of 8.00 RMB for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was applied to income statement accounts.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
GENERAL STEEL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND DECEMBER 31, 2005
| | September 30, | | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | |
| | (Unaudited) | | (Restated) | |
ASSETS | | | | | |
CURRENT ASSETS: | | | | | |
Cash | | $ | 4,009,089 | | $ | 8,648,373 | |
Restricted cash | | | 2,874,199 | | | 2,735,583 | |
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,403 | | | | | | | |
and $1,371 as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively | | | 11,071,790 | | | 993,417 | |
Notes receivable | | | 1,126,406 | | | 4,960 | |
Note receivable - related party | | | 280,480 | | | 2,976,000 | |
Other receivables | | | 119,644 | | | 109,769 | |
Other receivables - related parties | | | 850,400 | | | - | |
Inventories | | | 15,698,156 | | | 10,730,941 | |
Advances on inventory purchases | | | 7,155,375 | | | 10,716,293 | |
Short-term investment | | | - | | | 37,200 | |
Prepaid expenses - current | | | 66,003 | | | 64,647 | |
Total current assets | | | 43,251,542 | | | 37,017,183 | |
| | | | | | | |
PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net | | | 22,914,574 | | | 18,213,872 | |
| | | | | | | |
OTHER ASSETS: | | | | | | | |
Advance on equipment purchases | | | - | | | 1,053,169 | |
Prepaid Expenses - non current | | | 771,161 | | | 669,460 | |
Intangible assets - land use right, net of accumulated amortization | | | 1,857,014 | | | 2,039,532 | |
Total other assets | | | 2,628,175 | | | 3,762,161 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total assets | | $ | 68,794,291 | | $ | 58,993,216 | |
| | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
CURRENT LIABILITIES: | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable | | $ | 664,699 | | $ | 823,760 | |
Short term loans - bank | | | 31,548,720 | | | 27,118,800 | |
Short term notes payable | | | 5,519,760 | | | 5,406,400 | |
Other payables | | | 534,217 | | | 69,667 | |
Other payable - related party | | | - | | | 980,000 | |
Accrued liabilities | | | 1,768,695 | | | 916,957 | |
Customer deposits | | | 1,369,060 | | | 1,276,536 | |
Deposits due to sales representatives | | | 1,833,168 | | | 1,261,080 | |
Taxes payable | | | 4,363,420 | | | 1,682,330 | |
Total current liabilities | | | 47,601,739 | | | 39,535,530 | |
| | | | | | | |
SHARES SUBJECT TO MANDATORY REDEMPTION | | | 2,065,053 | | | 1,720,875 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 49,666,792 | | | 41,256,405 | |
| | | | | | | |
MINORITY INTEREST | | | 5,853,861 | | | 5,387,026 | |
| | | | | | | |
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY: | | | | | | | |
Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 75,000,000 shares authorized, | | | | | | | |
32,426,665 shares issued and outstanding | | | 31,250 | | | 31,250 | |
Paid-in-capital | | | 6,871,358 | | | 6,871,358 | |
Retained earnings | | | 4,726,036 | | | 4,207,236 | |
Statutory reserves | | | 840,753 | | | 840,753 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | | | 804,241 | | | 399,188 | |
Total shareholders' equity | | | 13,273,638 | | | 12,349,785 | |
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | | $ | 68,794,291 | | $ | 58,993,216 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
GENERAL STEEL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND 2005 (UNAUDITED)
| | Three months ended | | Nine months ended | |
| | September 30 | | September 30 | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | | 2006 | | 2005 | |
REVENUES | | $ | 46,957,797 | | $ | 26,032,015 | | $ | 96,998,657 | | $ | 72,021,091 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
COST OF SALES | | | 45,404,450 | | | 23,379,706 | | | 92,486,613 | | | 63,656,562 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
GROSS PROFIT | | | 1,553,347 | | | 2,652,309 | | | 4,512,044 | | | 8,364,529 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES | | | 605,801 | | | 523,063 | | | 2,155,612 | | | 1,763,706 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS | | | 947,546 | | | 2,129,246 | | | 2,356,432 | | | 6,600,823 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
OTHER EXPENSE, NET | | | (623,105 | ) | | (447,943 | ) | | (1,370,798 | ) | | (1,308,339 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
TAXES AND MINORITY INTEREST | | | 324,441 | | | 1,681,303 | | | 985,634 | | | 5,292,484 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES | | | - | | | 548,972 | | | - | | | 1,815,968 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NET INCOME BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST | | | 324,441 | | | 1,132,331 | | | 985,634 | | | 3,476,516 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
LESS MINORITY INTEREST | | | 144,644 | | | 350,118 | | | 466,834 | | | 1,121,834 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NET INCOME | | | 179,797 | | | 782,213 | | | 518,800 | | | 2,354,682 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | | | 222,417 | | | 374,857 | | | 405,053 | | | 374,857 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | | $ | 402,214 | | $ | 1,157,070 | | $ | 923,853 | | $ | 2,729,539 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES | | | 31,250,000 | | | 31,250,000 | | | 31,250,000 | | | 31,250,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
EARNING PER SHARE, BASIC AND DILUTED | | $ | 0.01 | | $ | 0.04 | | $ | 0.02 | | $ | 0.09 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
GENERAL STEEL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND 2005 (UNAUDITED)
| | Number of shares | | Common stock | | Paid-in capital | | Statutory reserves | | Retained earnings | | Accumulated other comprehensive income | |
Totals | |
BALANCE, January 1, 2005, restated | | | 31,250,000 | | $ | 31,250 | | $ | 6,871,358 | | $ | 154,794 | | $ | 2,152,976 | | $ | - | | $ | 9,210,378 | |
Net income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,354,682 | | | | | | 2,354,682 | |
Foreign currency translation gain | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 374,857 | | | 374,857 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BALANCE, September 30, 2005, restated | | | 31,250,000 | | $ | 31,250 | | $ | 6,871,358 | | $ | 154,794 | | $ | 4,507,658 | | $ | 374,857 | | $ | 11,939,917 | |
Net income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 385,537 | | | | | | 385,537 | |
Adjustment to statutory reserve | | | | | | | | | | | | 685,959 | | | (685,959 | ) | | | | | - | |
Foreign currency translation gain | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 24,331 | | | 24,331 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - | |
BALANCE, December 31, 2005, restated | | | 31,250,000 | | $ | 31,250 | | $ | 6,871,358 | | $ | 840,753 | | $ | 4,207,236 | | $ | 399,188 | | $ | 12,349,785 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 518,800 | | | | | | 518,800 | |
Foreign currency translation gain | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 405,053 | | | 405,053 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BALANCE, September 30, 2006 | | | 31,250,000 | | $ | 31,250 | | $ | 6,871,358 | | $ | 840,753 | | $ | 4,726,036 | | $ | 804,241 | | $ | 13,273,638 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
GENERAL STEEL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWSFOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND 2005 (UNAUDITED)
| | September 30 | | September 30 | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | |
| | | | (Restated) | |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | |
Net income | | $ | 518,800 | | $ | 2,354,682 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash | | | | | | | |
provided by (used in) operating activities: | | | | | | | |
Minority Interest | | | 466,834 | | | 1,121,834 | |
Depreciation | | | 1,008,036 | | | 789,131 | |
Amortization | | | 222,400 | | | 216,528 | |
Loss on disposal of equipment | | | 28,005 | | | 34,399 | |
Interest expense accrued on mandatory redeemable stock | | | 344,178 | | | - | |
(Increase) decrease in assets: | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable | | | (9,928,845 | ) | | 23,126 | |
Increase in notes receivable | | | (1,106,993 | ) | | (2,501,624 | ) |
Other receivables | | | (7,476 | ) | | (570,252 | ) |
Other receivables - related parties | | | (850,400 | ) | | - | |
Inventories | | | (4,681,528 | ) | | (716,098 | ) |
Advances on inventory purchases | | | 3,737,173 | | | 310,518 | |
Prepaid expense - non current | | | (86,541 | ) | | - | |
Increase (decrease) in liabilities: | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable | | | 145,602 | | | (28,184 | ) |
Other payables | | | 137,713 | | | (189,561 | ) |
Other payable - related party | | | (980,000 | ) | | 190,000 | |
Accrued liabilities | | | 821,858 | | | 12,034 | |
Customer deposits | | | 64,917 | | | 2,297,519 | |
Taxes payable | | | 2,611,959 | | | 1,518,804 | |
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | | | (7,534,308 | ) | | 4,862,856 | |
| | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | |
Restriced cash | | | (80,218 | ) | | 1,544,990 | |
Notes receivable - related party | | | 2,722,629 | | | - | |
Increase in short term investment | | | 37,494 | | | - | |
Deposits due to sales representatives | | | 538,664 | | | 120,463 | |
Advance on equipment purchases | | | 1,061,493 | | | | |
Additions to equipment | | | (5,299,576 | ) | | (1,588,947 | ) |
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | | | (1,019,514 | ) | | 76,506 | |
| | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | |
Borrowings on short term loans - bank | | | 21,309,090 | | | 31,819,320 | |
Payments on short term loans - bank | | | (17,497,200 | ) | | (31,916,664 | ) |
Borrowings on short term notes payable | | | 6,074,028 | | | 6,522,048 | |
Payments on short term notes payable | | | (6,074,028 | ) | | (9,126,000 | ) |
Cash received on issuance of mandatory redeemable stock | | | | | | 1,606,150 | |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | | | 3,811,890 | | | (1,095,146 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
EFFECTS OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGE IN CASH | | | 102,648 | | | 149,047 | |
| | | | | | | |
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH | | | (4,639,284 | ) | | 3,993,263 | |
| | | | | | | |
CASH, beginning of period | | | 8,648,373 | | | 5,547,810 | |
| | | | | | | |
CASH, end of period | | $ | 4,009,089 | | $ | 9,541,073 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
GENERAL STEEL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 - Background
The Company (formerly known as American Construction Company) was established on August 5, 2002 for the purpose of commencing the business of general construction contracting. It was the Company's objective to provide to its customers timely and durable construction for their residential and commercial needs.
On October 14, 2004, American Construction Company and General Steel Investment Co., Ltd. (referred to as General Steel) and Northwest Steel Company, a Nevada corporation, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Agreement") pursuant to which American Construction Company acquired General Steel, and it’s 70% ownership in its subsidiary Daqiuzhuang Metal Sheet Co., Ltd. (Daqiuzhuang Metal) in exchange for shares of the Company’s common stock, of which 22,040,000 shares was a new issuance by the Company, and 7,960,000 shares are from certain shareholders of the Company, which in aggregate, constituted 96% of the total issued and outstanding shares of the Company.
Under the terms of the Agreement, General Steel will remain a 100% owned subsidiary of the Company. The transaction contemplated by the Agreement was intended to be a “tax-free" reorganization pursuant to the provisions of Section 351 and 368(a) (1) (A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The stockholders of General Steel, as of the closing date of the merger own approximately 96% of the Company's common stock outstanding as of October 15, 2004 (excluding any additional shares to be issued on outstanding options, warrants and other securities convertible into common stock).
The accounting for these transactions is identical to that resulting from a reverse-acquisition, except that no goodwill or other intangible assets is recorded. Accordingly, the financial statements of General Steel Investment Co., Ltd. are the historical financial statements of the Company, formerly the operations of Daqiuzhuang Metal Sheet Co., Ltd.
Based on the Company's Plan of Merger with General Steel Investment Co., Ltd., the Board of Directors determined to change the Registrant's fiscal year end from January 31 to December 31.
The Company through its subsidiary Daqiuzhuang Metal principally engages in the manufacturing of hot rolled carbon and silicon steel sheets which are mainly used on tractors, agricultural vehicles and in other specialty markets. The Company sells its products through both retailers and wholesalers.
Daqiuzhuang Metal Sheet Co., Ltd. (referred to as Daqiuzhuang Metal) was established on August 18, 2000 in Jinghai county, Tianjin city, Hebei province, the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The Articles of Corporation provides for a 10 year operating term beginning on August 18, 2000 with registered capital of $ 9,583,200. The Company is a Chinese registered limited liability company with a legal structure similar to a limited liability company organized under state laws in the United States of America. There is no discriminatory provision for the minority shareholders and the 30% shareholders will receive their distribution of retained earnings according to their ownership percentage in Daqiuzhuang Metal.
GENERAL STEEL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies
Basis of presentation
The consolidated financial statements of General Steel Holdings, Inc. reflect the activities of the following subsidiaries:
Subsidiary | | % Ownership | |
General Steel Investment Co., Ltd. | | | British Virgin Islands | | | 100.0 | % |
Tianjin Daqiuzhuang Metal Sheet Co., Ltd. | | | P.R.C. | | | 70.0 | % |
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of General Steel Investment Co., Ltd. and Tianjin Daqiuzhuang Metal Sheet Co., Ltd. (collectively the “Company”). All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in the consolidation.
Revenue recognition
The Company recognizes revenue when the goods are delivered and title has passed. Sales revenue represents the invoiced value of goods, net of a value-added tax (VAT). All of the Company’s products that are sold in the PRC are subject to a Chinese value-added tax at a rate of 17% of the gross sales price. This VAT may be offset by VAT paid by the Company on raw materials and other materials included in the cost of producing their finished product.
Foreign currency translation
The reporting currency of the Company is the US dollar. The Company uses their local currency, Renminbi (RMB), as their functional currency. Results of operations and cash flow are translated at average exchange rates during the period, and assets and liabilities are translated at the unified exchange rate as quoted by the People’s Bank of China at the end of the period.
Translation adjustments resulting from this process are included in accumulated other comprehensive income in the statement of shareholders’ equity. Transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are included in the results of operations as incurred.
Translation adjustments resulting from this process are included in accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated statement of shareholders' equity and amounted to $405,053 and $374,857 as of September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The balance sheet amounts with the exception of equity at September 30, 2006 were translated at 7.90 RMB to $1.00 USD as compared to 8.06 RMB at December 31, 2005. The equity accounts were stated at their historical rate. The average translation rate of 8.00 RMB for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was applied to income statement accounts.
GENERAL STEEL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies, (continued)
Plant and equipment, net
Plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets with 3% residual value. The depreciation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 amounted to $1,008,036 and $789,131, respectively.
Estimated useful lives of the assets are as follows:
| | Estimated |
| | Useful Life |
Buildings | | 10-30 years |
Machinery and equipment | | 8-15 years |
Other equipment | | 5-8 years |
Transportation equipment | | 10-15 years |
Construction in progress represents the costs incurred in connection with the construction of buildings or new additions to the Company’s plant facilities. No depreciation is provided for construction in progress until such time as the assets are completed and are placed into service.
The cost and related accumulated depreciation of assets sold or otherwise retired are eliminated from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in the statements of operations. Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are charged directly to expenses as incurred. Major additions and betterment to buildings and equipment are capitalized.
Long-term assets of the Company are reviewed annually as to whether their carrying value has become impaired. The Company considers assets to be impaired if the carrying value exceeds the future projected cash flows from related operations. The Company also re-evaluates the periods of amortization to determine whether subsequent events and circumstances warrant revised estimates of useful lives. As of September 30, 2006, the Company expects these assets to be fully recoverable.
Plant and equipment consisted of the following:
| | September 30, | | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | |
| | Unaudited | | Restated | |
Buildings and improvements | | $ | 8,474,423 | | $ | 5,391,378 | |
Transportation equipment | | | 882,941 | | | 485,699 | |
Machinery | | | 19,263,323 | | | 12,752,995 | |
Construction in progress | | | 29,553 | | | 4,231,318 | |
Totals | | | 28,650,240 | | | 22,861,390 | |
Less accumulated depreciation | | | 5,735,666 | | | 4,647,518 | |
Totals | | $ | 22,914,574 | | $ | 18,213,872 | |
GENERAL STEEL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies, (continued)
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles of the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the combined financial statements and accompanying notes. Management believes that the estimates utilized in preparing its financial statements are reasonable and prudent. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Cash and concentration of risk
Cash includes cash on hand and demand deposits in accounts maintained with state owned banks within the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong. Total cash (including restricted cash balances) in these banks at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, amounted to $6,905,104 and $11,446,120, respectively of which no deposits are covered by insurance. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any risks on its cash in bank accounts.
Restricted cash
The Company through its bank agreements is required to keep certain amounts on deposit that are subject to withdrawal restrictions and these amounts are $2,874,199 and $2,735,583 as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the weighted average method. Inventories consisted of the following:
| | September 30, | | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | |
| | Unaudited | | Restated | |
Supplies | | $ | 1,186,486 | | $ | 1,524,332 | |
Raw materials | | | 2,142,447 | | | 1,195,022 | |
Finished goods | | | 12,369,223 | | | 8,011,587 | |
Totals | | $ | 15,698,156 | | $ | 10,730,941 | |
GENERAL STEEL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies, (continued)
Inventories, (continued)
Inventories consist of supplies, raw materials and finished goods. Raw materials consist primarily of iron and steel used in production. The cost of finished goods included direct costs of raw materials as well as direct labor used in production. Indirect production costs such as utilities and indirect labor related to production such as assembling, shipping and handling costs are also included in the cost of inventory. No work in process inventory existed at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, as all inventory in process was completed and transferred to finished goods prior to the physical inventory count. The Company reviews its inventory annually for possible obsolete goods or to determine if any reserves are necessary for potential obsolescence. As of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, the Company has determined that no reserves are necessary.
Financial instruments
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107 (SFAS 107), “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” requires disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments held by the Company. SFAS 107 defines the fair value of financial instruments as the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. The Company considers the carrying amount of cash, accounts receivable, other receivables, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other payables to approximate their fair values because of the short period of time between the origination of such instruments and their expected realization and their current market rate of interest.
Intangible assets
All land in the People’s Republic of China is owned by the government and cannot be sold to any individual or company. However, the government grants the user a “land use right” (the Right) to use the land. Daqiuzhuang Metal acquired land use rights during the years ended in 2000 and 2003 for a total amount of $2,870,902. The land use rights have a 50 year term. However, Daqiuzhuang Metal's initial business license had a ten-year term. Management elected to amortize the land use rights over the ten-year business term. Daqiuzhuang Metal became Sino Joint Venture in 2004 as discussed in Note 1 and obtained a new business license for twenty years; however, the Company decided to continue amortizing the land use rights over the original ten-year business term.
As of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, accumulated amortization amounted to $1,146,757 and $902,550. The costs of these rights are being amortized over ten years using the straight-line method.
GENERAL STEEL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies, (continued)
Intangible assets, (continued)
Intangible assets of the Company are reviewed annually as to whether their carrying value has become impaired. The Company considers assets to be impaired if the carrying value exceeds the future projected cash flows from related operations. The Company also re-evaluates the periods of amortization to determine whether subsequent events and circumstances warrant revised estimates of useful lives. As of September 30, 2006, the Company expects these assets to be fully recoverable.
Total amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, amounted to $222,400 and $216,528, respectively.
Shares subject to mandatory redemption
The Company has adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity”. FAS 150 established classification and measurement standards for three types of freestanding financial instruments that have characteristics of both liabilities and equity. Instruments within the scope of FAS 150 must be classified as liabilities within the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and be reported at settlement date value. The provisions of FAS 150 are effective for (1) instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and (2) pre-existing instruments as of July 1, 2003. In November 2003, through the issuance of FSP 150-3, the FASB indefinitely deferred the effective date of certain provisions of FAS 150, including mandatory redeemable instruments as they relate to minority interests in consolidated finite-lived entities.
The Company issued new redeemable stock in September, 2005. The amount is presented as a liability on balance sheet at the fair market value on the date of issuance plus any interest amortized to the balance sheet date, see note 19.
Income taxes
The Company has adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (SFAS 109). SFAS 109 requires the recognition of deferred income tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between income tax basis and financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities. Provision for income taxes consist of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes. There are no deferred tax amounts at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005.
The charge for taxation is based on the results for the year as adjusted for items, which are non-assessable or disallowed. It is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.
GENERAL STEEL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies, (continued)
Income taxes, (continued)
Deferred tax is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method in respect of temporary differences arising from differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax basis used in the computation of assessable tax profit.
In principle, deferred tax liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences, and deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probably that taxable profit will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilized.
Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the income statement, except when it related to items credited or charged directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Company intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.
Under the Income Tax Laws of PRC, the Company is generally subject to an income tax at an effective rate of 33% (30% state income taxes plus 3% local income taxes) on income reported in the statutory financial statements after appropriate tax adjustments, unless the enterprise is located in a specially designated region where it allows foreign enterprises a two-year income tax exemption and a 50% income tax reduction for the following three years.
The Company’s subsidiary, Daqiuzhuang Metal Sheet Co., Ltd., became a Chinese Sino-foreign joint venture at the time of the merger on October 14, 2004 and it became eligible to receive a tax benefit. The Company is exempt from income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 and 50% income tax reduction for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009. The Company received the tax exemption approval from the local tax authorities during the last quarter of 2005 and the Company had been recording a provision for income taxes for the first three quarters of 2005. During the last quarter of 2005 the Company reversed the provision for income taxes once they received the approval from the local tax authorities. The local Chinese tax authority waived the previously accrued tax accumulated prior to January 1, 2005 in the amount of $253,250 which was recorded as other nonoperating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 for previously accrued income taxes.
GENERAL STEEL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies, (continued)
Income taxes, (continued)
The provision for income taxes for the period ended September 30 consisted of the following
| | 2006 | | 2005 | |
| | Unaudited | | Restated | |
Provision for China Income Tax | | $ | - | | $ | 1,634,371 | |
Provision for China Local Tax | | | - | | | 181,597 | |
Total provision for income taxes | | $ | - | | $ | 1,815,968 | |
The following table reconciles the U.S. statutory rates to the Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30:
| | 2006 | | 2005 | |
U.S. statutory rates | | | 34.0 | % | | 34.0 | % |
Foreign income not recoginized in USA | | | (34.0 | ) | | (34.0 | ) |
China income taxes | | | - | | | 33.0 | |
Effective tax rate | | | - | % | | 33.0 | % |
The estimated tax savings for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 amounted to $513,518. The net effect on earnings per share had the income tax been applied would decrease earnings per share from $0.02 to $0.005.
Value added tax
Enterprises or individuals who sell commodities, engage in repair and maintenance or import and export goods in the PRC are subject to a value added tax in accordance with Chinese laws. The value added tax standard rate is 17% of the gross sales price. A credit is available whereby VAT paid on the purchases of semi-finished products or raw materials used in the production of the Company’s finished products can be used to offset the VAT due on sales of the finished product.
Taxes payable consisted of the followings:
| | September 30, | | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | |
| | Unaudited | | Restated | |
VAT taxes payable | | $ | 4,362,558 | | $ | 1,290,982 | |
Income taxes payable | | | - | | | 385,510 | |
Misc taxes | | | 862 | | | 5,838 | |
Totals | | $ | 4,363,420 | | $ | 1,682,330 | |
GENERAL STEEL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies, (continued)
Recently issued accounting pronouncements
In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments” (“FAS 155”), which amends SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“FAS 133”) and SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities” (“FAS 140”). FAS 155 provides guidance to simplify the accounting for certain hybrid instruments by permitting fair value remeasurement for any hybrid financial instrument that contains an embedded derivative, as well as, clarifies that beneficial interests in securitized financial assets are subject to FAS 133. In addition, FAS 155 eliminates a restriction on the passive derivative instruments that a qualifying special-purpose entity may hold under FAS 140. FAS 155 is effective for all financial instruments acquired, issued or subject to a new basis occurring after the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006. The adoption of SFAS No. 155 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156, “Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets” (“FAS 156”), which amends SFAS No. 140. FAS 156 specifically provides guidance addressing the recognition and measurement of separately recognized servicing assets and liabilities, common with mortgage securitization activities, and provides an approach to simplify efforts to obtain hedge accounting treatment. FAS 156 is effective for all separately recognized servicing assets and liabilities acquired or issued after the beginning of an entity’s fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006, with early adoption being permitted. The adoption of SFAS No. 156 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements in accordance with FAS 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The requirements of FIN 48 are effective for our fiscal year beginning January 1, 2007. The adoption of this interpretation is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
GENERAL STEEL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies, (continued)
Recently issued accounting pronouncements, (continued)
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements," which addresses the measurement of fair value by companies when they are required to use a fair value measure for recognition or disclosure purposes under GAAP. SFAS No. 157 provides a common definition of fair value to be used throughout GAAP which is intended to make the measurement of fair value more consistent and comparable and improve disclosures about those measures. SFAS No. 157 will be effective for an entity's financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the effect SFAS No. 157 will have on its consolidated financial position, liquidity, or results of operations.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, "Employers' Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans−−an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)". One objective of this standard is to make it easier for investors, employees, retirees and other parties to understand and assess an employer's financial position and its ability to fulfill the obligations under its benefit plans. SFAS No. 158 requires employers to fully recognize in their financial statements the obligations associated with single−employer defined benefit pension plans, retiree healthcare plans, and other postretirement plans. SFAS No. 158 requires an employer to fully recognize in its statement of financial position the overfunded or under funded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan (other than a multiemployer plan) as an asset or liability and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. This Statement also requires an employer to measure the funded status of a plan as of the date of its year-end statement of financial position, with limited exceptions. SFAS No. 158 requires an entity to recognize as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost pursuant to SFAS No. 87.
This Statement requires an entity to disclose in the notes to financial statements additional information about certain effects on net periodic benefit cost for the next fiscal year that arise from delayed recognition of the gains or losses, prior service costs or credits, and transition asset or obligation. Management does not currently believe adoption will have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
Note 3 - Consolidated financial statements and condensed footnotes
The interim consolidated financial statements presented herein have been prepared by the Company and include the unaudited accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidation.
GENERAL STEEL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 3 - Consolidated financial statements and condensed footnotes, (continued)
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States for interim financial information and the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.
Certain information and footnote disclosures that are normally included in financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. Management of the Company believes the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K dated March 31, 2006.
In the opinion of management, the unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, and the results of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of full year performance because of the impact of seasonal and short-term variations.
Note 4 - Earnings per share
The Company reports earnings per share in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share." SFAS No. 128 requires presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share in conjunction with the disclosure of the methodology used in computing such earnings per share. Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share takes into account the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised and converted into common stock.
Under SFAS 150 "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity", entities that have issued mandatory redeemable shares of common stock or entered into forward contracts that require physical settlement by repurchase of a fixed number of the issuer’s equity shares of common stock in exchange for cash shall exclude the common shares that are to be redeemed or repurchased in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share. Thus the 1,176,665 shares described in note 19 have been excluded from the earnings per share calculation.
The weighted average number of shares used to calculate EPS for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 (31,250,000), 2005 (31,250,000) reflect only the shares outstanding for those periods.
GENERAL STEEL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 5 - Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Interest paid amounted to $1,376,863 and $1,344,433 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Income tax payments amounted to $0 and $488,344 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Note 6 - Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
The Company conducts its business operations in the People’s Republic of China. Account receivables include trade accounts due from the customers. Management believes that the trade accounts are fully collectible as these amounts are being collected throughout the year. Also, management reviews its accounts receivable on a regular basis to determine if the bad debt allowance is adequate and adjusts the allowance amount at the year end. The allowance for doubtful accounts as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 amounted to $1,403 and $1,371, respectively.
Note 7 - Notes receivable and note receivable - related party
Notes receivable represents trade accounts receivable due from various customers where the customers’ bank has guaranteed the payment of the receivable. This amount is non-interest bearing and is normally paid within three to six months. The Company has the ability to submit their request for payment to the customer’s bank earlier than the scheduled payment date. However the Company will incur an interest charge and a processing fee when they submit a payment request early. The Company had $1,126,406 and $4,960 outstanding as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively.
The note receivable from related party represents a note from Yang Pu Automotive Investment Limited. Yang Pu Automotive Investment Limited is a Chinese registered limited liability company which is 100% indirectly owned by Mr. Yu Zuo Sheng. This loan was given to the Yang Pu for business purposes on November 15, 2005. The note is in the amount of RMB 24,000,000, translated to $2,995,200, for one year with an interest rate at 7% and due at maturity. In 2006, Yang Pu Automotive Investment Limited paid $2,757,920 towards the principal of the loan. The Company will calculate the interest based on the new balance. The Company periodically reviews the financial statements of Yang Pu Automotive Investment Limited to determine its ability to repay the debt.
GENERAL STEEL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 8 - Prepaid expenses
Prepaid expenses at September 30, 2006 consisted of the followings:
| | Current | | Long-term | | Total | |
Rent | | $ | 45,576 | | $ | 277,568 | | $ | 323,144 | |
Land use right | | | 20,427 | | | 493,593 | | | 514,020 | |
Total | | $ | 66,003 | | $ | 771,161 | | $ | 837,164 | |
The Company rented a dormitory for its employees during 2005. The rent is for ten years starting on January 1, 2006 at RMB 90,000 per quarter or RMB 360,000 per year. The Company's prepayment at September 30, 2006 amounted to RMB 2,552,470 or $323,144.
The Company also entered into another rental agreement on July 21, 2005 to rent the land use right for its manufacture expansion. The total amount of the rental is RMB 8,067,400 for a period of 50 years starting on September 1, 2005. The Company's prepayment at September 30, 2006 amounted to RMB 4,060,187 or $514,020.
Note 9 - Advances on inventory purchases
Advances on inventory purchases are monies deposited or advanced to outside vendors or related parties on future inventory purchases. Due to the high shortage of steel in China, most of the Company’s vendors require a certain amount of money to be deposited with them as a guarantee that the Company will receive their purchases on a timely basis.
This amount is refundable and bears no interest. The Company has a legal binding contract with their vendors for the guarantee deposit, which is to be returned to the Company at the end of the contract. The inventory is normally delivered within one month after the monies have been advanced. The total outstanding amount was $7,155,375 and $10,716,293 as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively.
Note 10 - Related party transactions
The Company has a short term loan from Golden Glister Holdings Limited. Golden Glister holdings limited is incorporated in the territory of the British Virgin Islands which our president Yu Zuo Sheng is the majority shareholder. This amount was loaned to General Steel Investment Co., Ltd. for business operations. In the second quarter of 2006, General Steel Investment Co., Ltd. advanced $1,300,000 to Golden Glister Holdings Limited for its operations. Golden Glister has agreed to pay back the amount on a short term basis. The Company had a receivable from Golden Glister for $850,400 and a payable to Golden Glister for $980,000 as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. These receivable and payable are short term and are non interest bearing.
Note 11 - Short term loans - bank
Short term loans - bank represent amounts due to various banks which are due on demand or normally within one year. These loans can be renewed and bear no interest rate. The table below summarizes the loans outstanding at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005.
GENERAL STEEL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 11 - Short term loans - bank (continued)
| | September 30, | | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | |
| | Unaudited | | Restated | |
Loans from China Bank, JingHai Branch, due | | | | | | | |
November 2006. Monthly interest only payment at | | | | | | | |
6.138% per annum, secured by equipment | | | | | | | |
and property | | $ | 1,139,400 | | $ | 1,116,000 | |
| | | | | | | |
Loans from Agriculture Bank, DaQiuZhuang Branch, due | | | | | | | |
various dates from October 2006 to April 2007. | | | | | | | |
Monthly interest only payments in 2005 ranging from | | | | | | | |
from 6.696% to 6.975% per annum, guaranteed by an | | | | | | | |
unrelated third party and secured by property and | | | | | | | |
equipment | | | 9,881,130 | | | 10,068,800 | |
| | | | | | | |
Loan from Construction Bank of China, JinHai Branch, due | | | | | | | |
August 15, 2007. Monthly interst only payment at | | | | | | | |
7.4604% per annum, secured by properties | | | 1,538,190 | | | 1,004,400 | |
| | | | | | | |
Loans from ShangHai PuFa Bank, due various dates from | | | | | | | |
November 2006 to July 2007. Monthly interest only | | | | | | | |
payments ranging from 6.138% to 6.435% per month, | | | | | | | |
guaranteed by an unrelated third party | | | 6,330,000 | | | 6,200,000 | |
| | | | | | | |
Loans from China Merchants Bank, due various dates from | | | | | | | |
May 2007 to September 2007. Quarterly interest only | | | | | | | |
payments, annual interest rate of 6.1425%, | | | | | | | |
guaranteed by an unrelated third party | | | 7,596,000 | | | 8,060,000 | |
| | | | | | | |
Loan from Construction Bank of China, due August 21, 2006 | | | | | | | |
Monthly interest only payment at 7.4604% per annum, | | | | | | | |
guaranteed by an unrelated third party | | | - | | | 669,600 | |
| | | | | | | |
Loans from Shenzhen Development Bank, Tianjin Branch | | | | | | | |
due various dates from February to March 2007 | | | | | | | |
Quarterly interest only payments ranging | | | | | | | |
from 5.856% to 5.859%, secured by inventories | | | 5,064,000 | | | - | |
Totals | | $ | 31,548,720 | | $ | 27,118,800 | |
GENERAL STEEL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 12 - Short term notes payable
Short term notes payable are lines of credit extended by the banks. When purchasing raw materials, the Company often issues a short term note payable to the vendor. This short term note payable is guaranteed by the bank for its complete face value. The banks usually require the Company to deposit a certain amount of cash at the bank as a guarantee deposit which is classified on the balance sheet as restricted cash.
The Company has the following short term notes payable outstanding as for September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005:
| | September 30, | | December 31, | |
| | 2006 | | 2005 | |
| | Unaudited | | Restated | |
China Bank, Jing Hai Branch, various amounts, due | | | | | | | |
October 2006, restricted cash required 50% of loan | | | | | | | |
amount, secured by land and property | | $ | 1,468,560 | | $ | 1,438,400 | |
| | | | | | | |
Agricultural Bank of China, various amounts, due dates | | | | | | | |
ranging between July and October 2006, | | | | | | | |
restricted cash required of 50% of loan amount, | | | | | | | |
secured by land and property | | | 1,519,200 | | | 1,488,000 | |
| | | | | | | |
ShangHai PuFa Bank, due November 2006, restricted | | | | | | | |
cash required of 50% of loan balance, guaranteed | | | | | | | |
by an unrelated third party | | | 2,532,000 | | | 2,480,000 | |
Totals | | $ | 5,519,760 | | $ | 5,406,400 | |
Total interest expense for the nine months ending September 30, 2006 and 2005 on all debt amounted to $1,531,447 and $1,344,433, respectively.
Note 13 - Customer deposits
Customer deposits represent amounts advanced by customers on product orders. The product normally is shipped within nine months after receipt of the advance payment and the related sale is recognized in accordance with the Company’s revenue recognition policy. As of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, customer deposits amounted to $1,369,060 and $1,276,536, respectively.
GENERAL STEEL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 14 - Deposits due to sales representatives
The Company has entered into agreements with various entities to act as the Company’s exclusive sales agent in a specified area. These exclusive sales agents must meet certain criteria and are required to deposit a certain amount of money with the Company. In return the sales agents receive exclusive sales rights to a specified area and discounted prices on products they order. These deposits bear no interest and are required to be returned to the sales agent once the agreement has been terminated. The Company had $1,833,168 and $1,261,080 in deposits due to sales representatives outstanding as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively.
Note 15 - Major customers and suppliers
The Company has 5 major customers which represent approximately 31% and 41% of the Company’s total sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The Company did not have any one significant customer that represented more than 10% of the total sales for the three quarters ended September 30, 2006 and 2005.
Four customers accounted for 54% and 43% of total accounts receivable as of September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, the Company purchases approximately 95% and 78%, respectively, of their raw materials from four major suppliers.
Note 16 - Minority interest
Minority interest represents the outside shareholders’ 30% interest in Tianjin Daqiuzhuang Metal Sheet Co., Ltd.
Note 17 - Other expenses and income, net
Other income and expense for the nine months ended September 30 consist of the following:
| | 2006 | | 2005 | |
| | Unaudited | | Restated | |
Finance/interest expense | | $ | (1,880,668 | ) | $ | (1,348,949 | ) |
Interest income | | | 154,584 | | | 45,279 | |
Other nonoperating income | | | 408,240 | | | 12,441 | |
Other nonoperating expense | | | (52,954 | ) | | (17,110 | ) |
Total other expense | | $ | (1,370,798 | ) | $ | (1,308,339 | ) |
Other nonoperating income includes the previously accrued income tax. During 2005, the Company has received approval from the P.R.C. local government for a two years income tax exemption and three years of 50% income tax rate reduction. The local Chinese tax authority waived the previously accrued tax accumulated prior to January 1, 2005 in the amount of $253,250 which was recorded as other nonoperating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 for previously accrued income taxes.
GENERAL STEEL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 18 - Reclassifications
Certain amounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 in the accompanying financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2006 presentation. These reclassifications have no effect on net income or cash flows.
Note 19 - Private Offering of Redeemable Stock
The Company has offered an aggregate of 3,333,333 shares of Common Stock par value $0.001 in a private placement to investors at a purchase price of $1.50 per share. On September 18, 2005, the Company entered into a subscription agreement with certain investors to sell a total of 1,176,665 shares of common stock at $1.50 per share. In addition, two warrants are attached to each share of common stock and each warrant gives the warrant holder the right to purchase an additional share of common stock or a total of 2,353,330 of common stock in the future. The warrants can be exercised on the second anniversary date at $2.50 per share and on the third anniversary date at $5.00 per share. The number of shares attached to the warrants will be adjusted due to dividends and changes in the capital stock structure changes. At the option of the investors the Company maybe required to repurchase the 1,176,665 shares of common stock 18 months after the closing date at a per share price of $1.95.
Under this private offering, the Company raised a total of $1,765,000 and received net proceeds of $1,606,150 net of $158,850 of commissions paid.
In accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 14, the Company determined the fair value of the detachable warrants issued with redeemable stock using the Black-Scholes option pricing model under the following assumptions: risk free interest rate of 3.85%, dividend yield of 0% and volatility of 11%. The estimated value of the warrants is zero.
In accordance with SFAS 150, the Company has recorded this stock issuance as a liability in the financial statements due to the mandatory redemption provision. The shares were recorded at fair market value on the date of issuance, which is the net cash proceeds, plus any accrued interest up to December 31, 2005. The difference between the net proceeds, $1,606,150, and the redemption amount, $2,294,497, which is $688,347, will be accrued and is amortized as interest expense over an 18 months period beginning in October 2005 and ending in March 2007. The following table reconciles the September 30, 2006 carrying amount:
Balance at December 31, 2005 | | $ | 1,720,875 | |
Interest amortized during the first nine months | | | 344,178 | |
Balace at September 30, 2006 | | $ | 2,065,053 | |
GENERAL STEEL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 19 - Private Offering of Redeemable Stock (continued)
Total interest amortized since issuance to September 30, 2006 amounted to $458,898 and $229,449 is the remaining amount left to be accrued and amortized through March 2007. The Company amended its financial statements for the periods ended December 31, 2005 and March 31, 2006 to reflect the changes made to the accounting treatment of the redeemable stock. The original accounting treatment was to record the amount discounted at an average market rate as a liability with the difference between the discounted amount and the cash received treated as reduction in paid-in-capital and the difference between discounted amount and redemption value to be amortized over the 18 months from issuance date.
Note 20 - Retirement plan
Regulations in the People’s Republic of China require the Company to contribute to a defined contribution retirement plan for all employees. All Joint Venture employees are entitled to a retirement pension amount calculated based upon their salary at their date of retirement and their length of service in accordance with a government managed pension plan. The PRC government is responsible for the pension liability to the retired staff.
The Company became a foreign joint venture entity in the year of 2004. For the year ended December 31, 2005, it was the first year the Company was required to make contributions to the state retirement plan at 20% of the employees’ monthly salary. Employees are required to contribute 7% of their salary to the plan. Total pension expense incurred by the Company amounted to $336,629 and $0 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. No contribution was made during the first nine months of 2005 because the Company contributed the total amount near year end of 2005.
Note 21 - Joint venture agreement with Baotou Steel
On September 28, 2005, General Steel Investment Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of General Steel Holdings, Inc., entered into a certain Baotou-GSHI Special Steel Joint Venture Agreement (the "Agreement") with Daqiuzhuang Metal Sheet Co., Ltd., and Baotou Iron and Steel (Group) Co., Ltd., a limited liability company formed under the laws of the People's Republic of China (the "Baotou Steel"). The name of the joint venture will be Baotou Steel-General Steel Special Steel Joint Venture Company Limited.
The Joint Venture Company will be located at Kundulun District, Baotou City, Inner Mongolia, China. The stated purposes of the Joint Venture Company are, among others, to produce and sell special steel and to improve the product quality and the production capacity and competitiveness by adopting advanced technology in the production of steel products. The Joint Venture Company shall have a capacity of producing 600,000 tons of specialty steel products a year.
GENERAL STEEL HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 21 - Joint venture agreement with Baotou Steel, (continued)
The registered capital of the joint venture will be approximately $24,000,000. The products of the joint venture will be sold in the Chinese market and abroad. The ownership will be comprised of the following:
| | % Ownership | |
Baotou Iron and Steel (Group) Co.,Ltd. | | | 49 | % |
General Steel Investment Co., Ltd. | | | 31 | % |
Da Qiu Zhuang Metal Sheet Co., Ltd | | | 20 | % |
Baotou Steel shall contribute land, existing equipment and materials at an estimated value of approximately $12,000,000 which will be contributed to the joint venture at the date of the approval of Joint Venture or issuance of the business license. The value of the assets to be contributed by Baotou Steel will be stated at fair market value General Steel Investment Co., Ltd. will contribute approximately $7,500,000 of cash and Daqiuzhuang Metal will contribute approximately $5,000,000 cash. These contributions will be required to be made on the following payment schedule 30% of their capital contribution within 30 days of the date of approval of the Joint Venture; 30% of their capital contribution within 3 months of the date of approval of the Joint Venture; and 40% of their capital contribution within 6 months of the date of approval of the Joint Venture. The Company will use the consolidation method to account for the joint venture.
As of September 30, 2006, the Company has not received the approval of the Baotou Steel Joint venture and it is still under government review and maybe subject to further industry sector review by the relevant authorities in China in view of the sensitive nature of the steel industry. Currently none of the operations of Baotou Steel is consolidated into the Company’s financial statements as there is no ownership or control relationship between the Company and Baotou Steel at this time.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION OR PLAN OF OPERATIONS
The following is management's discussion and analysis of certain significant factors that have affected our financial position and operating results during the periods included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, as well as information relating to the plans of our current management. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto and other financial information contained elsewhere in this Form 10Q.
Overview
Following the acquisition of ownership in General Steel Investment Co., Ltd. (herein referred to as “the Company”) in October 2004, the Company has shifted its main business focus to general steel products and steel manufacturing. As the core-operating unit of the Company, Tianjin Daqiuzhuang Metal Sheet Co., Ltd. (herein referred to as "Daqiuzhuang Metal") started its operation in 1988. Daqiuzhuang Metal's core business is the manufacturing of high quality hot rolled carbon and silicon steel sheets which are mainly used in the production of agricultural vehicles, tractors, shipping containers and in other specialty products.
Daqiuzhuang Metal uses a traditional rolling mill production sequence, such as heating, rolling, cutting, annealing, and flattening to process slabs into steel sheets. The sheet sizes are approximately 2,000 mm (length) x 1,000 mm (width) x 0.75 to 2.0 mm (thickness). Limited size adjustments are possible to meet order requirements. "Qiu Steel" is the registered name for the products of Daqiuzhuang Metal.
In April 2006, Daqiuzhuang Metal built a new plant next to their existing facility. The new plant consists of four new production lines capable of producing 150,000 tons of hot-rolled steel sheets. The Company now operates 10 steel production lines capable of processing 400,000 tons of 0.75-2.0 mm hot-rolled carbon steel sheets per year. By the Company’s estimate, it now maintains a 50% market share of all hot rolled steel sheets used in the production of agricultural vehicles in China.
On September 28, 2005, General Steel Investment Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of General Steel Holdings, Inc., entered into the Baotou-GSHI Special Steel Joint Venture Agreement (the "Agreement") with Daqiuzhuang Metal Sheet Co., Ltd., and Baotou Iron and Steel (Group) Co., Ltd., (herein after referred to as ”Baotou Steel”) a limited liability company formed under the laws of the People's Republic of China. The name of the joint venture will be Baotou Steel-General Steel Special Steel Joint Venture Company Limited.
The Joint Venture Company will be located at Kundulun District, Baotou City, Inner Mongolia, China. The stated purposes of the Joint Venture Company are, among others, to produce and sell specialty steel and to improve the product quality and the production capacity and competitiveness by adopting advanced production technologies. The Joint Venture Company shall have a capacity of producing 600,000 tons of specialty steel products a year.
The registered capital of the Joint Venture will be approximately $24,000,000. The products of the Joint Venture will be sold in the Chinese market and abroad. The ownership will be comprised of the following:
| | % Ownership | |
Baotou Iron and Steel (Group) Co.,Ltd. | | | 49 | % |
General Steel Investment Co., Ltd. | | | 31 | % |
Daqiuzhuang Metal Sheet Co., Ltd. | | | 20 | % |
Baotou Steel shall contribute land, existing equipment and materials at an estimated value of approximately $12,000,000 which will be contributed to the joint venture at the date of the approval of Joint Venture or issuance of the business license. The value of the assets to be contributed by Baotou Steel will be stated at fair market value. General Steel Investment Co., Ltd. will contribute approximately $7,500,000 cash and Daqiuzhuang Metal will contribute approximately $5,000,000 cash. These contributions will be required to be made on the following payment schedule: 30% of their capital contribution within 30 days of the date of approval of the Joint Venture; 30% of their capital contribution within 3 months of the date of approval of the Joint Venture; 40% of their capital contribution within 6 months of the date of approval of the Joint Venture. The Company will use the consolidation method to account for the Joint Venture.
As of September 30, 2006, the Company has not received the approval of the Baotou Steel Joint Venture and it is still under government review and maybe subject to further industry sector review by the relevant authorities in China in view of the sensitive nature of the steel industry. The Company is working to encourage relevant parties to provide the requisite documentation and initiate the needed procedures. However, if the relevant documents cannot be produced and the required procedures will not be initiated within the next sixteen months, the Company may choose to terminate the Joint Venture Agreement. Currently none of the operations of Baotou Steel is consolidated into the Company’s financial statements as there is no ownership or control relationship between the Company and Baotou Steel at this time
On September 18, 2005, the Company entered into a certain Subscription Agreement with certain investors and sold an aggregate of 1,176,665 shares of common stock in a private placement under Rule 506 of the Securities Act, at a purchase price of $1.50 per share. Under this private placement, the Company raised $1,765,000 in the aggregate, with net proceeds of $1,606,150 after deducting $158,850 paid for commissions.
Results of Operations
The results of operations of the Company are largely dependent on the level of general economic activity in China. Economic forecasts indicate continued fast pace growth in China in 2006. As a result, consumption of the Company’s steel products is expected to remain at a high level. The Company believes that it has successfully positioned itself within the Chinese agricultural vehicle market. As this market continues to demonstrate increased demand for steel products, the Company remains focused on building its leadership position by enhancing the quality of its products and expanding production capacity. However, the Company does believe that the highly competitive market will exist throughout 2006, with pressures for shipment volumes and prices. In view of that, the Company will continue to focus on cost control and new market development. The management will concentrate on increasing sales by continuing to sign new distributors in new markets and continuing to establish provincial branch sales offices.
The Company’s sales revenue mainly comes from the sale of metal sheets in different specifications and steel scrap generated in the cutting process. The Company's cost of sales includes the cost of its primary raw materials, rollers, energy cost, labor cost, the cost of warehousing and handling finished steel products and freight costs.
Net sales and gross profit
Net sales increased $21 million, or 80.38% from $26 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 to $47 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. Shipments for the three months ended September 30, 2006 climbed 100% to 109,912 tons from 54,740 tons due to increased production capacity brought about by the four new production lines and increased productivity and market development. Average selling price per ton including sale of scrap for the three months ended September 30, 2006 decreased to $427 from $463 in the same period of 2005.
Net sales increased $25 million, 34.68% from $72 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 to $97 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Shipments for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 climbed 61% to 229,819 tons from 142,735 tons. Average selling price per ton including sale of scrap for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 decreased to $420 from $500 in the same period of 2005. The decrease in sales price mainly resulted from the overall steel market downturn, but the impact was offset by the increase in sales volume.
Gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2006 was approximately $1.55 million, a decrease of 41.43% or $1.1 million from $2.65 million for the same period last year. Gross profit margin decreased to 3.3% from 10.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005.
Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was approximately $4.5 million, a decrease of 46% or $3.9 million from $8.4 million for the same period last year. Gross profit margin decreased to 4.7% from 11.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005.
This decrease in gross profit margin is mainly due to the decrease in average selling price. Since April 2005, the price of steel products has been decreasing globally due to the overall increase in steel supply. The Company must adjust its products’ prices in order to stay competitive in this market. Management expects that the pressure on the selling price will be mitigated in the 4th quarter of 2006 as a result of steel industry consolidation in China and overall increase in demand.
Cost of sales
Overall cost of sales increased to $45.4 million or 94% for the three months ended September 30, 2006 from $23.4 million for the same period of 2005. Cost of sales as percentage of sales increased from 89.8% to 96.7%. Average cost per ton was $413 and $427, respectively for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005. In summary, although the average unit cost dropped, the cost of sales increased in the third quarter of 2006 due to the increase in the sales volume.
Overall cost of sales increased to $92.4 million or 45.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 from $63.7 million for the same period of 2005. Cost of sales as percentage of sales increased from 88.3% to 95.3%. Average cost per ton was $402 and $446, respectively for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses, such as executive compensation, office expenses, legal and accounting charges, travel charges, and various taxes were $0.61 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, compared to $0.52 million for the same period of 2005, a 17.3% increase. A large component of the increase came from the legal and accounting expenses and investor and public relations charges for the public listing of the company.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $2.16 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, compared to $1.76 million for the same period of 2005, a 22.7% increase.
Other income (expense)
Other income (expense) for the three months ended September 30, 2006 consisted mainly of finance charges, interest income and other non-operating income (expense). Interest expense was $0.65 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, compared to $0.46 million for the same period in 2005. This increase was because the outstanding bank loans increased to $31.5 million from $26.2 million as of September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. This increase in debt borrowing was mainly used for the construction of the four new production lines.
Interest expense was $1.88 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, a 39.3% increase compared to $1.35 million for the same period in 2005.
Income taxes
The Company did not carry on any business and did not maintain any branch office in the United States during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005. Therefore, no provision for withholding or U.S. federal income taxes or tax benefits on the undistributed earnings and/or losses of the Company has been made.
Pursuant to the relevant laws and regulations in the People's Republic of China, Daqiuzhuang Metal, as a foreign owned enterprise in the People's Republic of China, is entitled to an exemption from the PRC enterprise income tax for two years commencing from its first profitable year. The Company has been approved for this tax benefit and will be exempt from income tax for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 and 50% income tax reduction for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Liquidity and capital resources
Due to the strong market demand for the Company’s products, it increased production capacity by adding four new production lines. The Company plans to maintain a higher-than-average debt to equity ratio to better position itself in this fast growing market. The bank loans are considered short-term for the purpose of the preparation of the financial statements because they are renewable with the banks every year. Due to the recent joint venture agreement with Baotou Steel the Company is reserving cash for the first 30% of its capital contribution, approximately $3.7 million, which needs to be paid when the business license for the Joint Venture is issued. Cash balance including restricted cash amounted to $6.9 million and $11.6 million as of September 30, 2006 and 2005.
Operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was $7.53 million compared to $4.86 million provided by operating activities in the same period last year. This change was mainly due to increases in inventory. As the new production lines are now in full operation, approximately 13,000 tons of additional products are now being produced monthly. Finished goods inventories have increased and the sales department has, since the beginning of second quarter, established 3 provincial sales offices to help increase sales and reduce these inventories. The finished goods inventory value on September 30, 2006 was 29,597 tons compared to 20,726 tons at December 31, 2005. The value of finished goods inventories also increased to $12.1 million as of September 30, 2006 from $8.01 million as of December 31, 2005.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable were $11.07 million as of September 30, 2006 compared to $993,417 at December 31, 2006. We previously collect the deposit from our customers in advance. This increase in accounts receivable is mainly due to a change in the company's collection approach. Starting in the second quarter of 2006, the company has gone with a different collection methodology, as opposed to receive deposits from its customers; the company has extended credit sales to its major customers. The Company now has four new production lines in operation. The management is now taking measures to secure the existing customer base and attract new customers. One of the approaches is to extend credit sales to our major customers and distributors as incentives for buying our products. Extending credit to our major customers and distributors is also in line with a growing industrial trend in this competitive market. Our top four customers constitute 54% of our total accounts receivable balance as of September 30, 2006.
Investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $1.02 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared to $0.08 million provided by investing activities in the same period last year. The cash has been spent on the construction of the new plant.
Financing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $3.81 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared to $1.10 million used in investing activities in the same period last year. The Company signed a borrowing agreement with Shenzhen Development Bank to borrow $5,064,000 in the first quarter. The proceeds were mainly used to pay for inventory purchases and the construction of the new plant.
Compliance with environmental laws and regulations
Based on the equipment, technologies and measures adopted, the Company is not considered a high-pollution factory in China. The production process does not need much water and produces only a minimal amount of chemical pollution. The Company uses gas-fired reheat furnaces recommended by the State Environmental Protection Agency to heat raw materials and semi-finished products.
In 2005, the Daqiuzhuang County ordered an environmental clean-up campaign and required harmless waste water discharge. In order to meet these requirements, the Company invested $94,190 to remodel its industrial water recycling system to reduce new water consumption and industrial water discharge.
This wastewater recycling system is able to process 350 tons of wastewater daily. The Company can realize approximately $10,000 savings per year using this system.
As for the remodeling of gas furnace and desulphurization of discharged gas, the local government has not posted any control measures currently and the Company has no plans to proceed with this remodeling until such time regulations are mandated. The Company believes that future costs relating to environmental compliance will not have a materially adverse effect on the Company's financial position. There is always the possibility, however, that unforeseen changes, such as new laws or enforcement policies, could result in materially adverse costs.
Impact of inflation
The Company is subject to commodity price risks arising from price fluctuations in the market prices of the raw materials. The Company has generally been able to pass on cost increases through price adjustments. However, the ability to pass on these increases depends on market conditions driven by the overall economic conditions in China. The Company manages price risks chiefly through productivity improvements and cost-containment measures.
Management does not believe that inflation risk is material to its business or financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
OUTLOOK
Certain statements contained herein constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of General Steel Holdings, Inc. ("the Company”) or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company's future operating results are dependent upon many factors, including but not limited to the risk factors discussed in this periodic report and developments beyond the Company's control as well as other risk factors discussed in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission which are available for review at www.sec.gov under "Search for Company Filings."
The Company expects better results in the fourth quarter of 2006 as average overall market prices improve compared to the first nine months of 2006. The Company also expects solid sales contribution as its three newly established provincial sales offices and six new distributors gain traction in their respective markets.
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Management's discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Our financial statements reflect the selection and application of accounting policies which require management to make significant estimates and judgments. See note 2 to our consolidated financial statements, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies." Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
We believe that the following reflect the more critical accounting policies that currently affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Revenue recognition
The Company recognizes revenue when the goods are delivered and title has passed. Sales revenue represents the invoiced value of goods, net of a value-added tax (VAT). All of the Company’s products that are sold in the PRC are subject to a Chinese value-added tax at a rate of 17% of the gross sales price. This VAT may be offset by VAT paid by the Company on raw materials and other materials included in the cost of producing their finished product.
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles of the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the combined financial statements and accompanying notes.
Management believes that the estimates utilized in preparing its financial statements are reasonable and prudent. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Inventories
We record reserves against our inventory to provide for estimated obsolete or unsalable inventory based on assumptions about future demand for its products and market conditions. If future demand and market conditions are less favorable than management's assumptions, additional reserve could be required. Likewise, favorable future demand and market conditions could positively impact future operating results if previously reserved for inventory is sold.
Contractual obligations and commercial commitments
We have certain fixed contractual obligations and commitments that include future estimated payments. Changes in our business needs, cancellation provisions, changing interest rates, and other factors may result in actual payments differing from the estimates. We cannot provide certainty regarding the timing and amounts of payments. We have presented below a summary of the most significant assumptions used in our determination of amounts presented in the tables, in order to assist in the review of this information within the context of our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
The following tables summarize our contractual obligations as of September 30, 2006, and the effect these obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods.
| | Payment due by period | |
| | Total | | Less than 1 year | | 1-3 years | | 3-5 years | |
| | Dollars amounts in thousands | |
Bank loans (1) | | $ | 31,548.7 | | $ | 31,548.7 | | $ | | | $ | | |
Notes payable | | | 5,519.8 | | | 5,519.8 | | | | | | | |
Deposits due to sales representatives | | | 1,833.2 | | | 1,833.2 | | | | | | | |
Land lease obligations (2) | | | 507.3 | | | 5.3 | | | 10.5 | | | 491.5 | |
Redeemable stock | | | 2,065.1 | | | 2,065.1 | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 41,452 | | $ | 40972.1 | | $ | 10.5 | | $ | 469.4 | |
(1) Bank loans in China are due on demand or normally within one year. These loans can be renewed with the banks. This amount includes estimated interest payments as well as debt maturities.
(2) Land lease obligations consist primarily of land lease agreements for our plant No. 3. According to the agreement, the total lease amount for the land is $1,021,333 and we have already paid $514,020 in advance as of September 30, 2006.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS
Commodity Price Risk and Related Risks
In the normal course of its business, General Steel is exposed to market risk or price fluctuations related to the purchase, production or sale of steel products over which we have little or no control. General Steel does not use any derivative commodity instruments to manage the price risk. General Steel’s market risk strategy has generally been to obtain competitive prices for its products and allow operating results to reflect market price movements dictated by supply and demand. Based upon an assumed annual production capacity of 400,000 tons, a $1 change in the annual average price would change annual pre-tax profits by approximately $400,000.
Interest Rate Risk
The Company is subject to interest rate risk since its outstanding debts are short-term and bear interest at variable interest rates. The future interest expense would fluctuate in case of any change in the borrowing rates. We do not use swaps or other interest rate protection agreements to hedge this risk. We believe our exposure to interest rate risk is not material.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
General Steel’s operating unit, Daqiuzhuang Metal, is located in China. The operation purchase, produce and sell all of the steel products domestically. It is subject to the foreign currency exchange rate risk due to the effects of fluctuations in the Chinese Renminbi on revenues and operating cost and existing assets or liabilities. General Steel has not generally used derivative instruments to manage this risk. A 10 percent decrease in the average Renminbi exchange rate would result in a $155,611 charge to income for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
There were no changes in General Steel’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during General Steel’s most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, General Steel’s internal control over financial reporting.
PARTII - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There have been no legal proceedings issued against or commenced by the company.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Competition within the steel industry is intense. In the sale of flat rolled carbon steel and silicon steel, the Company competes with competitors on the basis of product quality, responsiveness to customer needs and price. There are two types of steel and iron companies in China: State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and privately owned companies.
The Company competes with both state owned and privately owned steel manufacturers. While we believe that our price and quality are superior to other manufacturers, many of our competitors are better capitalized, more experienced, and have deeper ties in the Chinese marketplace. We may be unsuccessful in our attempts to compete, which would have a material adverse impact on our business and financial condition. The Company considers there to be three major competitors of similar size, production capability and product line in the market place: Tianjin No. 1 Rolling Steel Plant, Tianjin Yinze Metal Sheet Plant and Tangshan Fengrun Metal Sheet Plant. With the PRC's entry into the World Trade Organization and the PRC's agreements to lift many of the barriers to foreign competition, the Company believes that competition will increase in the PRC agricultural equipment market as a whole with the entry of foreign companies to the market.
Our limited operating history may not serve as an adequate basis to judge our future prospects and results of operations.
We began our operations in 2000. Our limited operating history may not provide a meaningful basis on which to evaluate our business. Although our revenues have grown rapidly since inception, we cannot assure you that we will maintain our profitability or that we will not incur net losses in the future. We expect that our operating expenses will increase as we expand. Any significant failure to realize anticipated revenue growth could result in significant operating losses. We will continue to encounter risks and difficulties frequently experienced by companies at a similar stage of development, including our potential failure to:
· | Implement our business model and strategy and adapt and modify them as needed; |
· | Increase awareness of our brands, protect our reputation and develop customer loyalty; |
· | Manage our expanding operations and service offerings, including the integration of any future acquisitions; |
· | Maintain adequate control of our expenses; |
· | Anticipate and adapt to changing conditions in the auto parts markets in which we operate as well as the impact of any changes in government regulation; |
· | Mergers and acquisitions involving our competitors, technological developments and other significant competitive and market dynamics. |
If we are not successful in addressing any or all of these risks, our business may be materially and adversely affected.
Our inability to fund our capital expenditure requirements may adversely affect our growth and profitability.
Our continued growth is dependent upon our ability to raise capital from outside sources. We believe that in order to grow our company further, we will seize the opportunity in Chinese state owned enterprise’s privatization and set up strategic joint ventures with these SOE companies. That will require us to finance through the capital market. In the future we may be unable to obtain the necessary financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms, and our failure to do so may adversely affect our financial position, competitive position, growth and profitability. Our ability to obtain acceptable financing at any time may depend on a number of factors, including:
· | Our financial condition and results of operations, |
· | The condition of the PRC economy and the agricultural equipment industry in the PRC, and |
· | Conditions in relevant financial markets in the U.S., the PRC and elsewhere in the world. |
We may not be able to effectively control and manage our growth.
If our business and markets grow and develop, it will be necessary for us to finance and manage expansion in an orderly fashion. This growth will lead to an increase in the responsibilities of existing personnel, the hiring of additional personnel and expansion of our scope of operations. There can be no assurance that we will be able to raise the required financing or control and manage this future growth.
We depend on large contracts and a concentration of customers.
Our revenue is dependent, in large part, on significant contracts from a limited number of customers. For the year ended December 31, 2005 approximately 37% of sales were to five customers. We believe that revenue derived from current and future large customers will continue to represent a significant portion of our total revenue. Our inability to continue to secure and maintain a sufficient number of large contracts would have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition. Moreover, our success will depend in part upon our ability to obtain orders from new customers, as well as the financial condition and success of our customers and general economic conditions.
We may not be able to pass on to customers increases in the costs of our raw materials, particularly iron and steel.
The major raw materials that we purchase for production are steel slabs and strip steel. The price and availability of these raw materials are subject to market conditions affecting supply and demand. Our financial condition or results of operations may be impaired by further increases in raw material costs to the extent we are unable to pass those higher costs to our customers. In addition, if these materials are not available on a timely basis or at all, we may not be able to produce our products and our sales may decline.
Risks Related to Operating Our Business in China
We face the risk that changes in the policies of the Chinese government could have significant impact upon the business we may be able to conduct in China and the profitability of such business.
The economy of China is at a transition from a planned economy to a market oriented economy subject to five-year and annual plans adopted by the government that set down national economic development goals. Policies of the Chinese government can have significant effects on the economic conditions of China. The Chinese government has confirmed that economic development will follow a model of market economy under socialism. Under this direction, we believe that the PRC will continue to strengthen its economic and trading relationships with foreign countries and business development in China will follow market forces. While we believe that this trend will continue, there can be no assurance that such will be the case. A change in policies by the Chinese government could adversely affect our interests in by, among other factors: changes in laws, regulations or the interpretation thereof; confiscatory taxation; restrictions on currency conversion, imports or sources of supplies; or the expropriation or nationalization of private enterprises. Although the Chinese government has been pursuing economic reform policies for approximately two decades, there is no assurance that the government will continue to pursue such policies or that such policies may not be significantly altered, especially in the event of a change in leadership, social or political disruption, or other circumstances affecting China's political, economic and social life.
The PRC laws and regulations governing our current business operations and contractual arrangements are uncertain, and if we are found to be in violation, we could be subject to sanctions. In addition, any changes in such PRC laws and regulations may have a material and adverse effect on our business.
There are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of PRC laws and regulations, including but not limited to the laws and regulations governing our business, or the enforcement and performance of our arrangements with customers in the event of the imposition of statutory liens, death, bankruptcy and criminal proceedings. Our subsidiaries and we are considered foreign persons or foreign funded enterprises under PRC laws, and as a result, we are required to comply with PRC laws and regulations. These laws and regulations are relatively new and may be subject to future changes, and their official interpretation and enforcement may involve substantial uncertainty. The effectiveness of newly enacted laws, regulations or amendments may be delayed, resulting in detrimental reliance by foreign investors. New laws and regulations that affect existing and proposed future businesses may also be applied retroactively. In addition, the PRC authorities retain broad discretion in dealing with violations of laws and regulations, including levying fines, revoking business licenses and requiring actions necessary for compliance. In particular, licenses, permits and beneficial treatments issued or granted to us by relevant governmental bodies may be revoked at a later time under contrary findings of higher regulatory bodies. We cannot predict what effect the interpretation of existing or new PRC laws or regulations may have on our businesses. We cannot assure you that any such restructuring would be effective or would not result in similar or other difficulties. We may be subject to sanctions, including fines, and could be required to restructure our operations. As a result of these substantial uncertainties, we cannot assure you that we will not be found in violation of any current or future PRC laws or regulations.
A slowdown or other adverse developments in the PRC economy may materially and adversely affect our customers, demand for our services and our business.
All of our operations are conducted in the PRC and all of our revenues are generated from sales to businesses operating in the PRC. Although the PRC economy has grown significantly in recent years, we cannot assure you that such growth will continue. The automotive industry in the PRC is relatively new and growing, but we do not know how sensitive we are to a slowdown in economic growth or other adverse changes in the PRC economy which may affect demand for cars and trucks, and therefore, auto parts. A slowdown in overall economic growth, an economic downturn or recession or other adverse economic developments in the PRC may materially reduce the demand for our products and materially and adversely affect our business.
Inflation in China could negatively affect our profitability and growth.
While the Chinese economy has experienced rapid growth, such growth has been uneven among various sectors of the economy and in different geographical areas of the country. Rapid economic growth can lead to growth in the money supply and rising inflation. If prices for our products rise at a rate that is insufficient to compensate for the rise in the costs of supplies, it may have an adverse effect on profitability. In order to control inflation in the past, the Chinese government has imposed controls on bank credits, limits on loans for fixed assets and restrictions on state bank lending. Such an austerity policy can lead to a slowing of economic growth. In October 2004, the People's Bank of China, China's central bank, raised interest rates for the first time in nearly a decade and indicated in a statement that the measure was prompted by inflationary concerns in the Chinese economy. Repeated increases in interest rates by the central bank will likely slow economic activity in China which could, in turn, materially increase our costs and also reduce demand for our products.
Governmental control of currency conversion may affect the value of your investment.
The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of Renminbi into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of the PRC. We receive substantially all of our revenues in Renminbi, which is currently not a freely convertible currency. Shortages in the availability of foreign currency may restrict our ability to remit sufficient foreign currency to pay dividends, or otherwise satisfy foreign currency denominated obligations. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, including profit distributions, interest payments and expenditures from the transaction, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from the PRC State Administration of Foreign Exchange by complying with certain procedural requirements. However, approval from appropriate governmental authorities is required where Renminbi is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of bank loans denominated in foreign currencies.
The PRC government may also at its discretion restrict access in the future to foreign currencies for current account transactions. If the foreign exchange control system prevents us from obtaining sufficient foreign currency to satisfy our currency demands, we may not be able to pay certain of our expenses as they come due.
The fluctuation of the Renminbi may materially and adversely affect your investment.
The value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in the PRC's political and economic conditions. As we rely entirely on revenues earned in the PRC, any significant revaluation of the Renminbi may materially and adversely affect our cash flows, revenues and financial condition. For example, to the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars we receive from an offering of our securities into Renminbi for our operations, appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Conversely, if we decide to convert our Renminbi into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments for dividends on our common shares or for other business purposes and the U.S. dollar appreciates against the Renminbi, the U.S. dollar equivalent of the Renminbi we convert would be reduced. To date, however, we have not engaged in transactions of either type. In addition, the depreciation of significant U.S. dollar denominated assets could result in a charge to our income statement and a reduction in the value of these assets.
Since 1994 the PRC has pegged the value of the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar. We do not believe that this policy has had a material effect on our business. However, there have been indications that the PRC government may be reconsidering its monetary policy in light of the overall devaluation of the U.S. dollar against the Euro and other currencies during the last two years. In July 2005, the PRC government revalued the Renminbi by 2.1% against the U.S. dollar, moving from Renminbi 8.28 to Renminbi 8.11 per dollar. Because of the pegging of the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar is loosened, we anticipate that the value of the Renminbi appreciate against the dollar with the consequences discussed above.
The PRC legal system has inherent uncertainties that could materially and adversely affect us.
The PRC legal system is based upon written statutes. Prior court decisions may be cited for reference but are not binding on subsequent cases and have limited value as precedents. Since 1979, the PRC legislative bodies have promulgated laws and regulations dealing with economic matters such as foreign investment, corporate organization and governance, commerce, taxation and trade. However, the PRC has not developed a fully integrated legal system and the array of new laws and regulations may not be sufficient to cover all aspects of economic activities in the PRC. In particular, because these laws and regulations are relatively new, and because of the limited volume of published decisions and their non-binding nature, the interpretation and enforcement of these laws and regulations involve uncertainties. In addition, published government policies and internal rules may have retroactive effects and, in some cases, the policies and rules are not published at all. As a result, we may be unaware of our violation of these policies and rules until some time later. The laws of the PRC govern our contractual arrangements with our affiliated entities. The enforcement of these contracts and the interpretation of the laws governing these relationships are subject to uncertainty.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
Our officers, directors and affiliates control us through their positions and stock ownership and their interests may differ from other stockholders.
Our officers, directors and affiliates beneficially own approximately 96% of our common stock. Mr. Yu, Zuo Sheng our major shareholder, beneficially owns approximately 76.5% of our common stock and is the selling stockholder herein. Mr. Yu can effectively control us and his interests may differ from other stockholders
Because our principal assets are located outside of the United States and most of our directors and officers reside outside of the United States, it may be difficult for you to enforce your rights based on U.S. federal securities laws against us and our officers and directors in the U.S. or enforce U.S. court judgments against us or them in the PRC.
Among all of our directors only one director resides in the United States. In addition, Daqiuzhuang, our operating subsidiary, is located in China substantially all of its assets are located outside of the United States. It may therefore be difficult for investors in the United States to enforce their legal rights based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws against us in the courts of either the U.S. and the PRC and, even if civil judgments are obtained in U.S. courts, to enforce such judgments in PRC courts. Further, it is unclear if extradition treaties now in effect between the United States and the PRC would permit effective enforcement against us or our officers and directors of criminal penalties under the U.S. federal securities laws or otherwise.
We have never paid cash dividends and are not likely to do so in the foreseeable future.
We currently intend to retain any future earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business. We do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future but will review this policy as circumstances dictate.
There is only a limited trading market for our common stock.
Our common stock is now listed on the over-the-counter Bulletin Board. There is currently limited trading market for our common stock and we do not know if any trading market will ever develop. You may be unable to sell your shares due to the absence of a trading market.
In addition, broker-dealers who recommend our common stock to people who are not established customers or qualifying investors must follow special sales procedures, including getting the purchaser's written consent prior to the sale. Our common stock is also subject to the "penny stock" rules, which require delivery of a schedule explaining the penny stock market and the associated risks before any sale. These requirements may further limit your ability to sell your shares.
Our common stock is subject to price volatility unrelated to our operations.
The market price of our common stock could fluctuate substantially due to a variety of factors, including market perception of our ability to achieve our planned growth, quarterly operating results of other auto parts makers, trading volume in our common stock, changes in general conditions in the economy and the financial markets or other developments affecting our competitors or us.
In addition, the stock market is subject to extreme price and volume fluctuations. This volatility has had a significant effect on the market price of securities issued by many companies for reasons unrelated to their operating performance and could have the same effect on our common stock.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
None for the period covered by this report.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None for the period covered by this report.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None for the period covered by this report.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None for the period covered by this report.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
(a) Exhibits
31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer;
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer;
32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer; and
32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
SIGNATURES
In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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| General Steel Holdings, Inc. (Registrant) |
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Date: November 14, 2006 | By: | /s/ Zuo Sheng Yu |
| Zuo Sheng Yu |
| Chief Executive Officer and President |
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Date: November 14, 2006 | By: | /s/ John Chen |
| John Chen |
| Director and Chief Financial Officer |